Mission Statement

SELF International, Inc. is a not for profit, educational organization whose mission is to promote literacy, creative education in science, math and the arts for all ages in U.S. communities of need and targeted developing countries in order to heighten personal and national levels of academic achievement. This mission is rooted in hope and a vision of social justice, upholding the belief that all people are created equal and are equally deserving of quality education and that responsible stewardship of our world is dependent upon an educated citizenship.

SELF International, Inc. (Science Education Literacy Fine Arts) was founded in 2005. Several international alumni from Hope College reunited in Chicago to discuss how we could give back to our countries some of the advantages of our own experiences. Our work originally focused on public health education in Ghana. We realized, however, that there was tremendous need right at our doorstep and redirected our efforts in the Twin Cities, MN.

Our work has always been collaborative and volunteer based. SELF offers quality, cutting edge STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math) activities in various locations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs, FLEX Academy, Horizon Youth Center, PCYC (Plymouth Christian Youth Center, Paladin Career and Technical High School, and the Minneapolis Community Education Program. We receive new requests for our services continually. We collaborate with schools, community organizations, individuals, national programs, and universities.

Our mission is to deliver quality, hands-on STEAM resources and opportunities to underserved communities inspiring young people to expand themselves and explore new possibilities in education and career building options. We close the opportunity gap by offering out-of-school enrichment experiences placing students on a more equal footing in school thus helping to close the achievement gap. In response to the President’s report on Stem for the Future of America, we continue to target economically challenged students from diverse cultural and ethnic populations.

¨“We must close the achievement and participation gap. Our national needs cannot be met without drawing on the full potential of our Nation. The United States cannot remain at the forefront of science and technology if the majority of its students—in particular, women and minorities underrepresented in STEM fields—view science and technology as uninteresting, too difficult, or closed off to them. We must close the achievement and interest gap in STEM subjects among racial, ethnic, and gender groups. Closing these gaps cannot be limited to helping students and groups at the remedial level in STEM subjects. It also requires unleashing the full potential of all our students who have not historically been drawn to STEM fields. STEM education needs to recognize and cultivate untapped talent. Many of our future STEM experts can and must come from traditionally underserved populations. STEM fields will greatly benefit from drawing on a diversity of perspectives, cultures, and ideas.”

Bonnie Everts (Co-Founder & Director of SELF International, Inc)Received the 2016 Heart of the Community award from MAAR, The Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, for dedicated service to the community served by SELF International.

“STEM education will determine whether the United States will remain a leader among nations and whether we will be able to solve immense challenges in such areas as energy, health, environmental protection, and national security. It will help produce the capable and flexible workforce needed to compete in a global marketplace. It will ensure our society continues to make fundamental discoveries and to advance our understanding of ourselves, our planet, and the universe. It will generate the scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians who will create the new ideas, new products, and entirely new industries of the 21st century. It will provide the technical skills and quantitative literacy needed for individuals to earn livable wages and make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. And it will strengthen our democracy by preparing all citizens to make informed choices in an increasingly technological world.”